King's Meads

The rivers and ditches which criss-cross the site traditionally flooded the flat land; because of falling water levels this now happens less often than in the past. This combination of ditches, floodwater and regular grazing has created a rich wetland habitat that is becoming very rare in Britain.

In winter the flooded areas at the base of the chalk bank attract ducks, gulls and waders including good numbers of Teal, wigeon, shoveler, gadwall and snipe. King's Meads is also a key site for wintering stonechats and up to 4 pairs can be present. In the summer, 7 species of warbler breed in addition to good populations of reed bunting, meadow pipit and sky lark, which are all becoming scarce as breeding species elsewhere in the county. In the autumn, the site attracts migrant species such as garganey, ruff, wood sandpiper, whinchat, wheatear, yellow wagtail and spotted flycatcher. In recent years, a total of 119 species of bird have been recorded at the site.

During a recent survey, a total of 265 species of wild flower were recorded, including uncommon Hertfordshire species such as reflexed salt-marsh grass, lesser sea spurrey, water violet, pepper saxifrage, adder's tongue fern and meadow saxifrage. The chalk bank also hosts a good selection of chalk heathland species such as autumn gentian, harebell, bulbous buttercup, salad burnet, common rockrose, small scabious and kidney vetch.

Of the 19 species of dragonfly that breed in Hertfordshire, 18 are present at King's Mead including the scarce hairy dragonfly. As a result, King's Mead is the best dragonfly site, with public access, in the county.

The site is also host to the largest population of short-winged conehead in the county and, as an inland site, is probably significant for this species at national level.

The Wildlife Trust manage King's Meads on behalf of the landowners GlaxoSmithKline, Thames Water, East Herts District Council, the Environment Agency and private individuals.